100 Greatest Phillies: 74 – Ryan Madson

Drafted by the Phillies in 1998, Ryan Madson made his pro debut in 2003, but really stunned in 2004 as a late-innings reliever. His fastball and changeup combination made him one of the better young arms in any major league bullpen. But after a shaky 2005, and with no great options in the starting rotation, Madson moved to starter for 2006. While he finished 11-9, he recorded a bad 5.69 ERA. It was his only bad season. Madson returned to form in 2007, pitching through injuries, and really broke out in 2008. His trademark moment came during the 2008 postseason, as Madson became the primetime eighth-inning arm many had hoped he’d become.

Comment: Madson gets tons of love for helping bridge to Brad Lidge in 2008. While he’ll be geared up as one of the game’s premiere setup men, one can’t overlook how solid he’s been before his breakout. A good strikeout pitcher, he carries a K:BB ratio better than 2:1.